Travel Duffel Pattern

Basic Skills Necessary:

This pattern will walk you through all of the sewing steps. If you have never quilted before, you can start with pre-quilted fabric.

Pattern Description:

Everyone has a duffle, but not everyone has a gorgeous duffle. Now you can sew up your own custom travel bag.

I use my duffle frequently for weekends away and find it perfect for 2 who travel light or 1 who likes a lot of choices (i.e. when I bring 3 pairs of shoes.)

It is also our family beach bag/carry-all.

You will love the capacity and sturdy construction of this bag.

Beginners and expert seamstresses all love this pattern for the unique travel bags they make with it.

I just posted a video showing the different travel bags to maybe give you a better idea which one to make (copy paste to your browser:)https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=869623796385666&set=vb.207793159235403&type=2&theater

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Info needed. I am making bags out of recycled feed bags for cancer. semi heavy plastic type material 44x31". I am looking at your departure and travel duffels. Question: are the body pieces in 1 piece with mitered corners or are the sides a separate piece? Thanks

What is the type of batting? I ask at Hancock fabrics and they did not know what it was either. I have made a lot of purses and am not familiar with that kind. I made one and it was not as nice as I had hopped

Get the batting upholsterers use. If you ask for that they can show you - hopefully. They are calling it something different at JoAnns now Soft and Crafty maybe? At JoAnns, it comes in 4, 6, 8 or 10 ounce on big bolts and you buy by the yard. I like the 8 ounce. At Hancock, they may have an upholsterers batting with a stiff finish on it. That makes a nice stiff duffle but it is harder to work with. I hope that helps!

Hi have you been able to make a back pack?I would like to see a pattern for it and also buy it from you a big one so i can keep my computer and also books and my lunch in to work.Thank you very muchMunira

I just updated the pattern. It has a new cover and a new materials list page. The instructions for the pleated pocket are now a lot better. If you have already made the bag, no worries. If you have not made it yet, the new pattern will make it a little easier for you. The bag itself has not changed, just the instructions a little bit.

Bonnie asked a couple of questions and I can't seem to link up to it to reply, so I hope she sees my answer here - Yes, the jute webbing is the same as what I use for upholstery. Here in the US it is common to find it 3.5" wide which is what I use. In Australia, you may need to butt 2 lengths of 50mm webbing together to make it wide enough. The smaller duffle has the trolley sleeve and you can see it in the sample bags. Instead of a pocket between the handles of the bag, there is a sleeve for slipping the bag over the trolley handle of your rolling luggage.

Rachel asked about making the duffle out of oilcloth/pvc. I would go ahead and try it if I were you. Don't quilt it though. Quilting stitches would punch holes in your fabric defeating the water resistance. I would still want the padding of the high loft batting though. I am sure it will be challenging. Be sure to show it off here, if it turns out!

i bought the pattern and as i am reading already confused. you state Materials:1.5 yards of feature fabric. 1.5 yards of lining fabric. 1.5 yards of batting.(OR you can use 1.5 yards of prequilted fabric instead.)3/4 yard contrast fabric for handles and pocket lining.2 Zippers. One 22-24" and one 14"You really need a walking foot for your sewing machine.Zipper foot for your sewing machine3.5 yards of Jute webbing. but the actual pattern says differently. the handels you need 1 yard. I purchase 3/4 as stated on begining sheet. Also, I am using prequilted material and not dimensions for using that. Very Misleading.

3/4 will be enough for the contrast on the handles. You could even do it with 1/2 a yard. I use a yard so I don't have as many seams joining it together. You will have fabric left over. Sounds like you did fine on your shopping, no worries. You can email me with questions if you have them.

Hi Karen, I did answer you via email, but I want to address your question here as well for others.The duffle does have 2 exterior pockets, and you could double that to 4 if you wanted. There is one on one end, but you could do one on each end. There is also one between the handles, which you could also do on both sides. The inside pockets would not be very useful in that bag and would make it more complicated, so there are none on the inside.If you want a great travel bag with lots of pockets inside and out, I recommend this pattern:http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/sewing/accessory/departure-satchel/61498I hope that helps!

I know this will vary widely by user, but I'm attempting to make two of these bags in the next week and I was curious how much time I need to try to set aside to get them finished. I'm a beginner sewer, but I am not unfamiliar with any of the steps in the pattern, from first glance. Thanks a lot!

Hoping to tackle this project, but not a quilter! I'm assuming that with double sided pre-quilted fabric, then I can skip the batting and lining fabric steps? Curious, though, how double-sided quilted fabric will be as far as "sturdiness"? This will be an adventure!!!

You are correct. You will still need some lining fabric for the zippered pocket, but not 1.5 yards. Yours will not stand up by itself like mine do, but you will love it. The first one I ever made has warm and natural in it, so it is like yours will be. I use it and love it. When not in use, it folds up, so that is good too. Enjoy!

Is it necessary to cut the fabric for the handle on the crossgrain bias as the instructions show? Can it be cut on the straight of grain? I'm not seeing the curves necessary for crossgrain and I have some fabric that I want to use, but not enough for crossgrain. Does it look better om the crossgrain? Thank you!

Julia,Thanks for asking. I only do one outside pocket, but you could certainly do 2 of them. You could make them with a zipper as in the pattern or without. Maybe one of each? The pocket fabric is not quilted. Unless you were working with pre-quilted fabric, then quilted pockets would be fine. Here is my flickr photostreamhttp://flicker.com/photos/studiocherieyou can type in the search bar "duffle" and be sure to choose "in StudioCherie's photostream" then you can see a lot of the duffles I have made and better side views to see the pocket.I hope that helps! Email me if you have more specific sewing questions.cherieatstudiocheriedotcom

yes, that is something like what we do in the Trolley Duffle pattern only really reinforced. It would work for this one too, but this is a really big bag - 20" long and your suitcase is probably not that big.The Departure Satchel is the perfect one for perching atop the rolling case neatly and carrying on for stowing under the seat.If you need the size though and you want to carry it through the airport on top of your rolling bag, adding a strap for that is a great solution! I am always happy to see people take my patterns and add their own touches to make it perfect for them.

Supplies are really changing right now. I have always made the clutches (I am assuming you have the Simplicity pattern.) by installing my own magnets - not ready made magnetic snaps. Simplicity wrote it up with regular magnetic snaps and those you can find at joAnn's. I have a few notes and source links for that pattern in PDF format. Email me and I will send you that. Cherie [at] StudioCherie [dot com]

Purse-wise, I think I might like it as an open top tote. I don't think I would design it the same shape for a purse at all. It needs more than just scaling down to translate into a useful everyday bag.

I am making this bag and am on the last step of sewing on the ends. I'm having trouble at the corners. Do I clip the corners before I sew? I'm not sure hoe to get the corners sewn. Any words of wisdom will be appreciated.

You can clip the corner. That would make it a little easier to turn the corner. Since I finish it on the serger, I have never done it for this particular bag. I would say clipping the corner would be good, then follow up with zigzag stitches on the new raw edges you created. I hope that helps!

This bag is WAY too big for a diaper bag. It is really made to be a great capacity road trip bag. It wouldn't fit in your stroller. And you wouldn't want to carry it around all day. When I first started sewing as a business, I was doing diaper bags, and what I came to believe was the best solution with the most usefulness is this:http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/sewing/accessory/how-to-make-a-zippered-change-pad-bag/18478You can pop that into any tote bag or backpack and turn it into an instant diaper bag. I am working on a great messenger bag right now, if you like that style, and I hope to have my back pack pattern out this Summer too.I hope that helps! Cherie

Yes, I will ponder it. We are doing cloth and breastfeeding, so the zippered change pad won't work 100%. We usually don't leave our rural town, but when we do, it's for a day or more. I really like the Petunia Pickle Bottom bags, but not the price ;) Thanks for the fast response!

I'm stumped on step 10. It says to stitch along the edges of the folds. Am I supposed to completely unfold it or leave 2 of the thirds together and sew one line or does that mean that each piece will have 6 lines of stitching or is it just 3 (do a stitch in the ditch right along the center of the fold)? It looks like just 3 lines in the pictures, but it looks like 6 on the pattern templates. Ugh!!

If you fold the pattern pieces, like you will fold the fabric, then I think the pleated pocket will become clear to you. Sorry for the confusion. Thanks so much for emailing me so I could get back to you faster!

Thanks for asking. The walking foot has feed dogs on the foot, so your fabric is being fed through the machine from above (with the walking foot feed dogs) and from below (the regular machine feed dogs) at the same time. This keeps the layers of fabric from shifting or stretching as you sew through multiple layers of fabric. I use it for most of the bags I make. If you want to make bags or do any machine quilting, you will want a walking foot for your machine. Here is a link that shows one for sale and lists what machines it works on. You can at least see what it looks like: http://www.sewingpartsonline.com/walking-foot-elna-star-13-sewing-machine.aspx. Hancock fabrics stores carry a line of generic machine feet. If you have a Hancocks near you, you might check there. I hope that helps!

I am wondering what batting to use for this bag. I have cotton quilters dream as that is what I prefer to use for my quilts, but I am wondering if something else would be more appropriate for this bag? I am worried the quilter's dream will be too soft and drapey. Thanks!

Thanks for asking. The only reason I use a stiffer batting is that I like to photograph the duffle empty and I like them sto stand up on their own. It makes it somewhat easier to pack the bag too if it stands up while empty. The only drawback to the stiffer batting is storing the bag when you are not using it. With thin batting, you can just fold it up and keep it in a drawer. Thin batting is also easier to sew. More details on the exact batting I use and other fabric choices are found in this blog post:http://studiocherie.blogspot.com/2012/11/my-favorite-duffle-fabrics.htmlI hope that helps!

I made this bag with the batting that you suggested except on the ends I used regular cotton batting. My bag folds beautifully. To photograph my bag I cut cardboard the dimensions of the corners and inserted them so they stood for the pic!

I recently purchased this pattern: travel duffel, however the pattern I have only shows the jute web handles with fabric laid on top. Can I get the the handle pattern you show on on the current picture. I like these much better.

Thanks for asking! The only strap material I have ever used on the duffles is the jute, covered partially in fabric. If you look closely at any of my photos, that is what you will see. Here is a blog post that shows what another gal did with my pattern using 2" twill tape in place of the jute. http://studiocherie.blogspot.com/2012/03/customer-success-show-off-time.htmlYou will need 8 or 9 yards of it if you want to preshrink it. After shrinking, stitch the 2" tapes together with a zigzag, side by side, so you have a 4" base of strap. Then that gets covered with the fabric trim like the jute would. It is a little wider than the jute, not as stiff as the jute, but it is machine washable and plenty strong enough to hold up to use.I hope that helps!Cherie

Somehow I must have goofed! Today when I tried to do the last step and sew the ends on, I found that they are too big... like several inches too big! The only thing I can figure is that I must have goofed in putting in the main zipper. Can you tell me what the length of the body of the bag should be before the ends are put on? I hate to take out that zipper and the hand sewing but I like that idea better than trying to cut down the ends. Thanks!

Actually, I just measured and I have 48" around and that should be right since the flaps that are hand sewn under are 2" each. The ends are 52" around. Am I supposed to be absorbing an inch on each side as I sew on the ends?

Lisa,If you measure the seam allowance of your end pieces, you will see that they add up to 48"Your dots should all line up as shown on page 6. I have done that too, when following a pattern - panicked that something was wrong, when all I had to do was pin it together to see all was well.I hope that helps! Sorry I did not see your message right away.You guys can always contact me directly too via email. cherie@studiocherie.comHappy sewing! Cherie

I matched the dots and did have to do some easing to get it to fit but not much and it worked out great! I am happy with this bag and will be using it when I take a trip to Boston this spring! I uploaded a picture and put in the notes to use a jeans sewing needle to attach the ends. I tried doing it with a brand new size 14 needle and still I had stitches skipping. No trouble with the jeans needle. Thanks for helping out!

LOVE his bag, it's a great size and so fashionable. I am not a great seamstress, and usually have a hard time with patterns, but this was easy to follow. I was able to finish the whole thing in two afternoons. All this women in my family will be getting this bag for birthdays!

I use the jute for the handles. It is just the right width and strength for the job and it looks cool to see the edges of the jute next to the fabric. If you look closely at any of my bags, you will see the edges of jute webbing on the handles. Also in some of the shots, you can see the back of the handle where the jute is visible.I hope that helps!

As I was typing out a long answer to your question, I realized it would be better addressed on my blog with links to help you find what you need. Here it is:http://studiocherie.blogspot.com/2012/11/my-favorite-duffle-fabrics.htmlI hope that helps. Let me know if you need more specific comments about what collection might suit your style best.

I received a PDF version of this bag, but there is not instructions for the lining. The construction of the duffle bag went together great. My instructions ends with Step 11, Putting it all together. Did I miss something. I know how to construct the lining, but not sure how it connects to the outer duffle bag.

Thanks for asking. It is a finishing option for those who want it, and - No, you do not need bias binding. I don't use it. When I do call for binding as the preferred way to finish something, I try to find the most fool proof way to apply it and explain that in the pattern. You will find that in my travel change pad bag pattern.

Hi, as I'm from Belgian and speak Dutch, some specific words are strange to me and Google translation isn't helping me very well. Maybe you can help me out here.directional fabric : is it fabric where it matters how to put the pattern on?I never quilted before but I wanna try. I suppose the batting should be between the feature fabric and the lining fabric? The description doesn't say. The large S-shape you use for quilting, are there rules about how far apart they should beThanks so much in advance!

A quote from the Crafty Mummy : "Directional fabrics have a print or design that only looks right one way. It could be that all the characters are facing one way, or it could have a scene that runs along the length or width of the fabric. When working with a fabric like this you need to be careful which way you cut and sew it. For example, you dont want to send up with a pencil case where the fairies are standing on their heads!"

When you quilt your batting should be in between you outer fabric and lining unless the directions state otherwise. As far as space between quilting lines (usually referred to as scale), that is up to you. Smaller width's between your quilting line will create more stiffness and wider width's will be much looser. Gauging by the pictures the scale of the S lines are between 1-3 inches apart (2.5 cm to 8 cm). I hope this translates well and helps you a bit.

Thank you so much, Laeinea, for your explanation! All is clear now and this afternoon I'm taking a trip to the store to find me the most beautiful feature fabric (and everything else I need) so I can get started on my first duffel. My first as my daughter already ordered hers...:)

I posted on my blog to show you how I quilt the duffles. There is a link there to my favorites on Flickr that shows duffles with different quilting that all turned out great. I think my plan may be easiest for a beginner though. I hope it helps.http://studiocherie.blogspot.com/2012/12/duffle-quilting-plan.html

Thanks for asking about the long shoulder strap. I used to make them with that option but I found that it is easy to load the bag too heavy for using it that way. What I prefer to do is make the jute straps a little longer if necessary. You will find carrying with the jute straps is the way to go. If you still want to do a long strap, you add rings to the ends, right next to the zipper tabs - slightly diagonal from one another if you are looking at the bag from the top. Just a 3" long finished rectangle will do it (like wide belt loop - make the finished width 1") stitch it into the seam next to the zipper tab with the ring in it. Your long strap can hook into rings.This is a big bag - not comfy to carry that way. Watch for the backpack coming this Spring for a fun, handsfree travel bag.I hope that helps!

Thanks for asking. Jute is the fiber that the webbing is made from. Jute webbing is used in upholstery. It is woven over the frame of a chair or sofa to provide suport. I hope that helps. They do sell it at JoAnns. Just ask.

Hello, I just love this pattern my family and I travel every winter and would love to make these as gifts. Problem is I am a beginner so beginner I just got my sewing machine today in the mail, Is this project easy enough for me to tackle?

I think "tackle" is the right word. Everything is explained thoroughly, so you would be able to follow along, but I think the quilting part and the size might be intimidating. I would suggest you make your first one with pre-quilted fabric. That will save time and there will be less bulk than using the batting that I do. Still, you will need to get a walking foot for your machine. It may not have come with one. This one may fit: http://www.sewingpartsonline.com/walking-foot-elna-star-13-sewing-machine.aspxYou will want to find the one that is right for your machine. I would love to see how you do!

I just wanted to add-on to this comment to let you know I have an easier and slightly smaller version of the duffle out now, it is here:http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/sewing/accessory/carry-on-sized-trolley-sleeved-duffle/53187

Hi, I just purchased your pattern here at Craftsy and I'm making it now, but I just realized that my jute webbing is too short. The instructions say that the jute needs to be 120" from end to end, so I measured it from farthest tip, since it's cut at a 45 degree angle, to the other side farthest tip. Was that wrong? It seems to me that based on the strap placement, it should be 124" from tip to tip? Am I doing something wrong?

Ooops! If you measure from the farthest tip on one side, measure from the nearest tip on the other. You want the total length to be 120" when you put them together. Measuring from the middle might be the easiest. If you still want to use the jute you have already cut, just make the handle parts slightly shorter. So if you are 4" short, take 2" off each handle measurement. I hope that makes sense! I should post some of the things I have made with my scraps of jute in case you want to start over. It may give you some ideas. I will post them to projects.

Elly, Thanks so much for asking. The full length is 20 inches and the sides are 12 by 12 inches. When I am flying with it, I leave a little room to squeeze it into the shape of the overhead bins which is 19 by 14 by 9 last time I checked. The airlines are a little touchy on those short flights in the smaller planes, so for those I do pack light. Then the duffle just looks like a really big purse over my arm. I hope that helps! <3 Cherie

I wanted to let you know I have sized it down and added a trolley sleeve specifically for carry on travel. The new pattern is here:http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/sewing/accessory/carry-on-sized-trolley-sleeved-duffle/53187

I've changed it a little bit since the Simplicity version came out. Sometimes, after I have made over a hundred of an item, I update the pattern to reflect my most current version. For this bag, the zipper goes in differently and I eliminated the rings because I never used them, and changed the end tabs.I hope you enjoy the duffles you have made. I use mine all of the time.

Nancy, that is a great question. I have had a couple of requests for larger bags. I can tell you from experience that you can go a tiny bit larger, like an inch each way. After that, the bag gets pretty ridiculous: as in, cumbersome to carry. I think most people are surprised at how big the bag is once they make it.

When I am traveling and I have a lot to carry, like multiple pairs of large shoes, lots of gear, etc. I use more than one bag. Each bag should be easy to carry when it is loaded.

Thanks for asking. I get a lot of them online. On Fabric.com, search for Amy Butler and Joel Dewberry. You will see a lot of the fabrics I use there. Also, HawthorneThreads.com has a great selection and there are fun ways to search there, by color, by designer, by what is new, etc. Great site! If you want to know about a specific combo, just email me and I will help you find it.

Pattern Reviews

Love the design October 24, 2014

Very nice design. I think it may be a little difficult for beginners. Make sure to use the recommended batting weight or bag will not hold it's form.

Fantasic Pattern July 2, 2014

Cindy540

sew easy and lots of compliments! I used a contrasting fabric for the lining!

fantastic gift August 5, 2013

DonnaJayne

I made this for a friend for her birthday. It is a great sized bag that could be used for anything. I need to make myself one now to use a gym bag. Love it.

Another great pattern from Studio Cherie! July 26, 2013

sewkate

I loved making this bag. The pattern was very clear, well-drafted, and well-explained. I had plenty of room to improvise because the pattern was so good. Because I added an outer layer of duck (plus piping) to the quilted lining, stitching the bag together was hard work. But I brought in on myself, and the result is really professional looking. I plan to make my second bag according to the pattern. I may still use piping, but I won't be adding a layer of duck. I really love Studio Cherie ...

I loved making this bag. The pattern was very clear, well-drafted, and well-explained. I had plenty of room to improvise because the pattern was so good. Because I added an outer layer of duck (plus piping) to the quilted lining, stitching the bag together was hard work. But I brought in on myself, and the result is really professional looking. I plan to make my second bag according to the pattern. I may still use piping, but I won't be adding a layer of duck. I really love Studio Cherie patterns because the base is so strong and well done that I can add details easily. I'll be making more of her patterns for sure!

Fantastic & easy to follow pattern ! June 22, 2013

tropicals1396629

I absolutely loved making this bag, The pattern was very clear and easy to follow step by step. I love my finished product! I can't wait to show it off to everyone. It easily holds 2 weeks worth of vacation clothing etc. Love, love, love it. Although, I almost regret not making a second outter end pocket to add to this pattern. But I'm sure one pocket will do just fine :) Great pattern, thanks a lot !

Duffle bag perfect size for long weekend June 8, 2013

sewcynful

This is just what I was looking for in a duffle bag! It's the perfect size! I wanted to use up scraps from projects. The only thing I had problems with was the jute webbing. I read somewhere that it needs to be pre-washed, so I did. It ended up shrinking, and my handles are about 6 inches shorter than they should be. I read after finished this that I could have used twill tape instead of the jute webbing. If I were to do it again, I would use twill tape, as the jute look doesn't go too ...

This is just what I was looking for in a duffle bag! It's the perfect size! I wanted to use up scraps from projects. The only thing I had problems with was the jute webbing. I read somewhere that it needs to be pre-washed, so I did. It ended up shrinking, and my handles are about 6 inches shorter than they should be. I read after finished this that I could have used twill tape instead of the jute webbing. If I were to do it again, I would use twill tape, as the jute look doesn't go too well with the black/white/red.

June 8, 2013

Travel bag April 28, 2013

Florrieann

My daughter has gone to Australia for a year so I made her this bag for her long .. Long flight she was delighted

my stylish sewingbag April 17, 2013

Lieve

great pattern and very good description step by step. the only difficulty for me was the measurements in inches instead of in cm which I'm used to but with my calculator nearby I overcame this problem easily ;-)

Travel Duffle Bag April 6, 2013

LLfas

Great bag. I'm sure this will get lot's of use.

Great Duffel - Large, Roomy and Sturdy March 7, 2013

Lisa C.

I had little trouble with the pattern and the end result is a great overnight bag! I would recommend this pattern.

Travel Duffel Bag pattern March 2, 2013

revkez

I had a blast putting this together i will definitely make another one, was challenging after I quilted but overall I'm happy with how it came out. I think next time I will put pockets on either end as well just for a little bit more storage. The bag is just the right size for an overnight bag.

Parisian Poodle Travel Duffel February 22, 2013

kellyinmyheart

Nice project. Making several more for personal use and gifts.

Chicken Travels January 30, 2013

Pennyflame

I found this bag easy to make except for the jute, next time I will make the lining alittle bigger for the jute. I will be making this duffel for all four of my daughters. This duffel holds enough clothes for a week vacation and then some. Love it.

Have you made this pattern?

About the designer

Like so many sewists I know, I have been sewing since the age of 6. I started at my mother's feet, fashioning her scraps into doll clothes. By age 16, I was spending Summers sewing my wardrobe for ...

Like so many sewists I know, I have been sewing since the age of 6. I started at my mother's feet, fashioning her scraps into doll clothes. By age 16, I was spending Summers sewing my wardrobe for the coming school year. I was known as a creative dresser. I wrote my first sewing pattern in 2006 as part of applying for a patent.
Now I have thousands of satisfied sewing pattern customers and am very happy to be part of the bourgeoning online sewing community.

See books that feature my work and follow my various adventures on my blog. http://studiocherie.blogspot.com

Find printed versions of several of my patterns in the current Simplicity Catalog.